Mateshwari Jagdamba Sarswati Mamma was the first
administrative head of Brahma Kumaris. Her Punyatithi, or Remembrance Day, is
annually observed on June 24. In 2019, it is the 54th death anniversary of Mateshwari
Saraswati.

She was born in 1919 in Amritsar as Radhe and after the
death of her father, she moved to Sindh Hyderabad.

Once, she happened to visit the satsang of Dada Lekhraj of
Om Mandali. Dada Lekhraj realized the potential in her and she saw a spiritual
guide and father in him.

Soon she became an active member of the institution.

She
realized that all the sensual happiness the world had to offer was without
taste or merit. She resolved to devote herself to spiritual service, and her
total dedication to spiritual teachings soon brought about a transformation in
her consciousness as well as bearing.

In due course of time, she started giving
spiritual discourses.

When Brahma Kumaris took shape, she became a mother figure
in the institution, earning the title Mateshwari Saraswati (meaning mother
Saraswati, the Hindu goddess of knowledge).

She applied the principles of economy and simplicity in
managing the affairs of the institution. Her exemplary powers of judgment and
discrimination coupled with her innate benevolence inspired enthusiasm and
devotion in others. She was loved by one and all and fondly called Mamma,
meaning mother. She was a constant source of inspiration and guidance who set
standards with her life.

Mateshwari’s most notable quality was introspection. She
deeply reflected on spiritual teachings and then disseminated their finer
points to others. She inspired everyone to replace their weaknesses with
virtues and would tell them not to compare themselves with others. She
encouraged new aspirants, offered them personal guidance and found spiritual
solutions to their problems.

Mateshwari passed away on June 24, 1965, but her life
continues to inspire members of the institution.